Paddy Pallin Inspire - Sarah Davis, Paddling the Nile & Cycling Australia

Sarah Davis Presentation Information:

In October 2018, two years of planning and preparation came to an end. It was time to start paddling from Rwanda to Egypt. If she'd known what was coming, she might not have been quite so excited to take that first stroke. Ahead of her was a hippo attack, lethal rapids, being arrested and so much more. But it was what she was searching for, a bigger life and one that made her come alive. She went on to paddle the Murray River and then cycle across Australia before bikepacking solo through Oman. Sarah will share stories from these expeditions as well as lessons in managing risk and what it takes to execute adventures like these.

Sarah Davis is a professional risk manager with a passion for risk-taking.

Aged 44 she decided she needed more out of life. Always in search of a life less ordinary, she struggled to discover just what it was she craved so badly. After delving deeply and exploring countless options, she hit upon an idea - she was going to paddle the Nile, from its source to the Mediterranean.

Having never even been on an expedition, Sarah had a steep learning curve through the two years of planning it took just to get to the starting point. She had to overcome fears, self-doubt and a constant feeling that she’d bitten off more than she could chew.

However, it proved to be the escape from her corporate environment she had been seeking, and it transformed into the most incredible, life-changing adventure she could have imagined - one she has described as being equal parts fun, tough and terrifying!

The trip included over 1,000km of rafting, followed by 3,000km of kayaking.

It sparked something in Sarah, and she went on to complete a solo 2,500-kilometer source-to-sea descent of the Murray River in Australia. She then swapped paddles for pedals and in 2021 cycled across Australia, which included crossing sand dunes and battling 40°C days while losing count of the number of flat tyres she and her cycle buddy Tara had during their testing 4,700-kilometre journey.

Early in 2024 she went on a solo bikepacking trip through Oman, covering 1,600km and getting to explore its wonderful culture, incredible sights and the repeated kindness of strangers.

www.sarahjdavis.com | sarah@sarahjdavis.com | +61 437 626 004 | IG @sarahpaddles

The Inspire Adventure Series is a monthly event designed to inspire you through captivating presentations by adventurers who will share their outdoor experiences via multimedia slideshows. In addition to enjoying the presentation and participating in a Q&A session, there will be time to connect, chat, exchange ideas, and even find a partner for your next adventure!

We encourage you to bring children and teenagers along—we’d love to inspire them too!

Paddy Pallin is hosting nine sessions in 2025, scheduled for Thursdays each month from March through November. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own food if you have specific dietary requirements. You’re also welcome to BYO drinks, including liquor.

If the event is sold out and you’d like to be placed on a waiting list, please email mkozok@paddypallin.com.au.

Terms and Conditions:

- Tickets are automatically fully refundable up to 2 days before the event. Book today, get refund if your plans changed.

- There are limited 120 seats available, first come first served. If you miss, please expect to take standing position for the length of the event.

- It's non-profit event. Tickets will partially cover the cost of hiring the venue, food, drinks, presenter etc.

- Tickets for those under 15 are free and must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

- If you have purchased a ticket and cannot attend, please send us written notice.